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William Matthews Obituary

MATTHEWS-William F. Jr. "Bud" January 21, 2008, beloved husband of Helen Heyn Matthews; dear father of Timothy J. Matthews; brother of Patricia (Fred) Hemmer, Sara Jane (Vincent) Montante; uncle of Melinda Pooler, Keith Hemmer and Jena Montante and Krista Shrader, Karl Schlifke; cousin of John and Rosemary Reinke and Mary Lee Sgroi. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 26 at 1:30 PM at St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main St., Buffalo, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph University Church or Epiphany UCC Second Century Fund, PO Box 239, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Arrangements by RAPIN FUNERAL HOME, INC.

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Published by Buffalo News from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Matthews

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David Heintz

March 14, 2008

To the Matthews Family
I learned of Buddy's passing yesterday. Buddy was a Senior and I was Sophomore when we both played running back on Kenmore East's first varsity team. We sit side by side in the front row of the team picture (we were the little fast guys). I looked up to Buddy as a role model. His personality, fiery spirit, and toughness were to be emulated. Several years ago we met up at a Mousepack reunion and it was wonderful to share memories about life on Parkhurst Blvd., Kenmore East, and of our long lost youth of many years ago. You are all in my thoughts. RIP Buddy.

David Heintz
KE - Class of '62

John Cousins

March 8, 2008

Buddy was the light of our yearly Kenmore high school reunions. His great presence and spirit will be with us forever.

February 8, 2008

Family and the Water

February 8, 2008

Tara Hemmer

January 28, 2008

Helen, Timothy, Pat, and Janie -

I have such fond memories of childhood trips to Buffalo around the holidays, especially the ribbing Uncle Buddy would give the Hemmer girls. He will be greatly missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

My Girls!

January 26, 2008

Bud & Helen at the Beach House

Joe, Anthony & Morgan Paladino

January 26, 2008

Anthony, Morgan & I spent a bright afternoon with Bud & Helen this summer.It was a special day that we will always remember. The sky was blue with a few scattered clouds. Anthony says he enjoyed their cookout overlooking Lake Erie. He fondly recalls walking on their beach. Bud & Helen always loved living by the water. Morgan says she remembers Bud's generosity. He introduced her to Mango Peach Vitamin Water and she still has a feather she found on the beach. I captured a few memorable photos of the family homestead & a surreal shot of Helen & Bud on their porch. They were gracious hosts. What I remember most is their love for each other and Timothy. Tim, they were so happy that you recovered from your accident & deeply proud of your life long accomplishments. They opened their home & hearts to us. We watched a beautiful sunset together. I'm deeply honored to have known Bud. He remains a great friend. May God Bless the Matthews family in these days of sorrow. Rest assured the sun always rises again for those who have loved. The Paladino Family

Sue Schnaufer

January 26, 2008

Dear Aunt Helen and Tim,
Wow! How much Uncle Bud was loved! Our fondest memories will always be of "Santa Bud"! How much joy he brought to all the little girls over the past 11 years at Krista's tea (not to mention to the moms!). Our family was and is truly touched by his presence in our lives! Everyone always looked forward to seeing his bright smile every time we'd see him. Tim, Jess and Kait were truly heartbroken to hear of his passing but they know, like their papas, he will surely be watching over them and all of the children that he loved, for the rest of their lives!
Aunt Helen, know that we all love you and are here for you, anytime. Tim, know that our deepest sympathies are extended to you! Take joy in knowing how much your Dad meant to all that he touched! He lives in you, continue his legacy!

Sincerely,
Tim, Sue, Timmy, Jessica, Kaitlin, Matthew & Mitchel, Schnaufer

larry brown

January 26, 2008

Dear Helen and Tim:
let me convey to you the very best from all of Bud's friends from Kenmore of so long ago....He was a sweetie then and again when I found him at the Mouse-pak reunions, recently......Please know that so many folks share your pain now and will help you pray into the next days applauding his acendency to God and the times they will have..............

Mike Massaro

January 25, 2008

Aunt Helen & Timothy,
I am saddened by the news of Buds passing, however his spirit and personality will certainly live on forever. I am blessed to know him through my second family and Bud always put smiles on faces where ever he went. Please find strength and peace in the fact that he is making all of heaven smile now. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Listen with your heart, and you can still hear his words. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Richard, Maureen & Devin Quay

January 25, 2008

Bud,
All I can think to say is - What happened? I'm still in shock. It was a tremendous honor to have worked with you the last few years - if more people at UBS were like you, I would've never left. Your nephew Devin is standing next to me - he wanted to say hi.

Betsy Ferguson

January 25, 2008

Dear Helen and Timothy,
Bud took such good care of our mom's investment needs right up to her death last August and his kindess and concern were such a comfort to our family. He was a joy to know and we will miss him. You have our love and sincerest sympathy in your loss. Betsy Ferguson

dan pitkin

January 25, 2008

Helen & Family,
We will miss Buddy's smile and laughter as a Kenmore MousePack friend. Our sympathy and best wishes to you and your family.
Dan Pitkin

Christmas '07

January 25, 2008

Bob Lamendola

January 25, 2008

Buddy and I were friends and teammates. I am fortunate to have spent time with him at our reunions over the last few years to reminisce. Buddy's sense of humor and engaging style made it a joy to be with him; I'll miss him.

Larry Brown

January 25, 2008

Dear Helen and Tim:
No words of mine can comfort you at this time as much as I wish it could be..He and I played JV football in Kenmore so long ago and i was surprised to see him at the Mouse Pak reunion a few years ago...It took me a whole night to realize he was the little skinny redheaded one back then....
Please know that you are not really alone and so many fols share in our loss....He is in heaven, looking down with smart words about to erupt from his lips....Be well larry brown

ron and kelly hartman

January 24, 2008

It was just last week when my husband came into the house with a huge smile saying, "I just met our new neighbors Bud and Helen!" We feel such a great loss already and you haven't even moved in yet. Ron talked about Bud all night, looking forward to having a boating neighbor. There's no doubt, just from the little bit we knew of him, it would have been an absolute joy to live next door to Bud Matthews. Helen, with our deepest sorrow...we will be right here next door for you. Kelly and Ron

Nan Scinta

January 24, 2008

Helen and Tim,
Our good Lord needs Bud to get His stocks in order in His heavenly accounts. We will miss Bud's cheerful smile, gregarious personality and wonderful spirit. Our prayers to you, Helen, and Tim for peace and understanding of Bud's sudden death. Fondly, Ralph and Nan Scinta

Fran Gregory

January 24, 2008

"Uncle" Bud was a wonderful man and will truly be missed.

Mr.& Mrs. Neal Hemmer

January 24, 2008

Dear Helen and Tim,
We were so saddened to hear of Bud's untimely death!
We have such fond memories of our visits to Buffalo, in particular the Lake House. We will cherish them.
Please be assured of our love, support, and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Love,
Bernadette and Neal Hemmer

Krista Shrader

January 24, 2008

Aunt Helen and Tim,
We were so blessed to know and love Uncle Bud. When you look at your life, there are a handful of truly special people who cross your path. Uncle Bud was one of those people. My kids and I laid in bed Monday night crying and remembering. Mike remembered how Uncle Bud would comb his hair and make him look like a man...and Kathleen remembered wanting to walk on the beach. You told them it was too cold, but Uncle Bud told them to get their jackets!
Our hearts are not empty because he's gone, but full because he was in our lives! How blessed we've all been. He will live in our children...he's in their hearts. We love you so much and will be with both of you every step of the way.
In Peace,
Krista, Kathleen and Michael

Karl Schlifke

January 24, 2008

Uncle Bud was, and will always be, an enormously joyful and loving presence in our lives. He unconditionally shared his love of life, and love of children with our entire family. Our boys will always hold in their hearts the many memories of Uncle Bud’s bear hugs, his special steak sauce, their first sleepover, the sunset at Angola, his face in the stands at their hockey games, and most of all – Santa Bud! How very fortunate our children are to have had Uncle Buddy in their lives!

To Aunt Helen and Timothy – Thank you for sharing your gift with us. Uncle Bud was truly a gift from God. We are all better people, and we are a better family because Bud was part of our lives for so long.

To Uncle Bud - We loved you more than you knew. You will always be with us in our hearts, at our table, and in the love and laughter we share as a family!

With all our love,

Karl, Nicole, Jack, and Sam

Dave Toellner

January 24, 2008

To: Helen and Tim

I obviously have never met either of you but I remember someone I always knew as "Buddy". My memories are of Buddy coming off the bench on a goal line stand. The first thing he told me was one of those top secret coach's conversation saying they were impressed with my play. The next was when the other team tried to score up the middle, along came Buddy at top speed and crashed directly into the middle of the pile stopping the scoring attempt. Buddy was not the biggest guy on the time but his heart and attitude more than made up for his size.

I know you have been blessed to have him as a husband and as a father.

Chris Gibas

January 24, 2008

Bud and I got to know each other at McDonald Financial Group several years ago. I always enjoyed his perspective on the business and our conversations about our boating adventures. He will be missed.

Rich & Sue Angelino

January 24, 2008

Sue & I met Buddy when we were 16 yrs old. As a Mousepacker I have enjoyed seeing Buddy's smile for the last 5-6 yrs at our reunions. I will hoist a cold one in his honor thhis June.

Molly Ferguson

January 24, 2008

Dear Helen & Tim:

We all adored Bud and will miss him dearly. Our thoughts & prayers are with you both.

Molly

Suzy Westcott

January 24, 2008

Dear Tim,

I am so sorry to hear about your father. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Much love, Suzy

Brian Farrell

January 24, 2008

Bud was a friend and second father to me. I feel blessed that I knew him and can truly say I am a better man because of it. His contagious laugh, larger than life personality and bear hugs will be sorely missed.

I spent a great deal of this week reflecting on our time together and at first felt an incredible sadness. I was struck by the yearning of wanting more time. I beat myself up over not calling and seeing him as much as I could. However, my sadness turned to smiles as I remembered all the amazing times we shared…boat rides, wine trips, the Bills game, the Buffalo Club, Founding Fathers, fondue night, Grandview golf, and great cigars! The list goes on and so will the memories.

Yesterday at 4:55 p.m. my wife Renee gave birth to our second son. We named him Jack William Farrell in honor of Buddy. From one Ken-East Bulldog to another…..Godspeed my friend.

To Helen and Tim…all my love. I will always be there for you.

Brian Farrell and family

Cindy Sheehan

January 24, 2008

I am so sorry Helen and Tim. Bud was a wonderful man and a dear friend. He will truly be missed by many.

You'll be missed my friend,

January 24, 2008

John and Judy Joseph

January 24, 2008

Helen,
Judy and I were both sorry to hear about Bud. He will be missed by everyone.

My favorite photo!

January 24, 2008

Bud & Helen

January 24, 2008

Friend to us all.

January 24, 2008

The only man I ever kissed.

January 24, 2008

Larger than life...

January 24, 2008

Always made us laugh!

January 24, 2008

John and Joyce Desiderio

January 24, 2008

Dear Helen, We are so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

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